With the imminent arrival of Nicholas Ball's new book 'Use & Ornament' we thought it might be a great idea to bring this Drunken Tiles workshop back - but with a twist or two! So even if you came along the first time way back in 2022, there is still more to be learned! In the original Drunken Tiles class, we worked on the basis of the pieces being the same size. In the new book, Nicholas works on various sizes, adding extra strips and contrast. So there are definitely some tweaks and additions you may be interested in, all to be featured in this class!...

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Introduction by Nicholas:-

Some years ago (in truth, longer now than I care to remember!), I was so excited to have one of my quilts featured in an online e-zine. My first publication! The quilt, entitled Drunken Tiles, featured a technique I now call 'stacks'. Fast-forward some seven-plus years and I’m still using the same technique to make visually interesting and unique quilts! I’ve re-made the quilt many times since, even featuring it in my book Inspiring Improv (published by Lucky Spool, 2019), and each one has been truly unique. That’s the beauty of this technique; it’s versatile, meaning you can use it for all sorts of projects. It’s also super speedy, perfect for that last-minute gift. It really is a great addition to your improv arsenal! When creating the quilts for my forthcoming book Use & Ornament (also to be published by Luck Spool), I experimented with the technique further, using different sized pieces of fabric and adding further interest and contrast through the addition of strips.

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What you will learn on this Online Interactive Workshop:-

In this workshop, you will learn to take simple squares and rectangles, layer them and slice into them. You’ll learn how to put a spin on traditional four and nine patch blocks, arming you with a technique that is fast and fun, whilst stretching those improv muscles. We will start by looking at the basics of the stacks technique, using similar sized pieces, before moving on to more advanced units of different sizes, adding contrast and secondary areas of interest with strips and triangles scraps, perfect for using up those leftovers from my triangle workshop We will explore the idea of creating a colour gradient using the technique and experiment with the way the units are arranged to add as much or as little randomness as you like.

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Skill Level for this Online Interactive Workshop:-

This workshop is perfect for ALL skill levels! What I love most about this technique is its adaptability. From one simple technique, so many different quilts can be created. A beginner can start by making the simpler four patch units, adding more layers and cuts as they get more comfortable with the method.

Material requirements for this Online Interactive Workshop:-​

Whilst not essential for the workshop, Nicholas's book Inspiring Improv (published by Lucky Spool, 2019) will expand upon the techniques learnt and provide many more improv tips and tricks. His new book Use & Ornament expands on the technique and is due for publication later this year.

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Fabric requirements for this Online Interactive Workshop:-​

Whilst difficult to give exact fabric amounts and measurements when sewing in an improvised way, please use the following as a rough guide. Decide if you’d like to make scrappy units, or experiment with solids to create a colour gradient. Or simply bring lots of squares and try both!

For a scrappy version:

Various squares and/or rectangles, approximately 6-8”, in various prints/solids of one colour way, plus a smaller selection of squares/rectangles in another colour way.

Odd scraps/strips of contrasting colours/prints

For a colour gradient:

Squares, cut from 10-12 different shades of one colour. You’ll be looking to create an ombre effect, so solids would work best.

The squares don’t have to be perfectly square, as long as they are all of a similar size, nor do they or the rectangles have to be cut perfectly straight. A layer cake or charm pack would be perfect.

Please don’t stress about these requirements!!! They are simply a guide and Nicholas has yet to teach a class where something couldn’t be made because of the wrong fabric pieces. If in doubt, gather up a selection of prints and colours you like and you can cut during the workshop. Accuracy at the cutting stage is not so important using these techniques, so it won’t take long at all if you want to cut your pieces along with Nicholas. They also needn’t be perfectly square or straight, so feel free to use scissors!

This is very much a technique-based workshop. We will be exploring triangles and won’t have a finished project in mind. Feel free to make as many or as few of the units as you like. You can combine them into a sampler or continue to work on the project after the workshop by adding more units to it during the sewalong. Don’t feel any pressure to cut up all your precious fabric!!!

Equipment requirements for this Online Interactive Workshop:-

• Sewing-Machine

• Good quality thread in an appropriate weight for piecing (Nicholas recommends Aurifil 50wt)

• Rotary Cutter - with a new blade!

• Cutting Mat

• Patchwork Ruler (we can make any size work, but a small 1” x 12” is very handy, as is a 12.5” square.

• Fabric Scissors

• Most important of all - a willingness to explore your own creativity! It's going to be FUN!!!...

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Pattern Information relevant to this Online Interactive Workshop:-

Not applicable for this improv class!

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Tickets for this Online Interactive Workshop (via the Zoom platform) will be limited and allocated on a first-come/first-served basis! Any free pattern and other information, relevant to this course will be forwarded to you after booking and approximately 5 days before the course date.

The ticket price of £30.00 is based on ONE person attending this crafting class.

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This CraftyMonkies online interactive workshop is being broadcast from the United Kingdom and the class time given is based on British Summer Time (BST). We advise you check via Google Search (or similar) to see corresponding start-time in YOUR location!

Here's a great world time zone reference:-

https://www.worldtimebuddy.com/

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Ordering MATERIALS/EQUIPMENT Online For Any Class/Workshop!

Please ensure you book your place & order any materials/fabrics/equipment online in plenty of time ahead of course dates.

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This class is a live Zoom Workshop ONLY!

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IMPORTANT!

Sadly, we are NOT able to offer a recorded Pay-On-Demand video for sale in our shop after this event.

The only way to enjoy this class is to book a ticket for this Zoom Workshop.

For the full range of CraftyMonkies Online Interactive Classes
& Workshops simply click here!